Condolences
My sincerest condolences on the loss of Ruth. I met Ruth at St Dominic School and immediately noticed her kind and genuine, caring demeanor. Ruth took it upon herself to host a baby shower for 3 of her staff members. I know we were touched and most appreciative of her kindness and well wishes. Ruth loved her family and always had a wonderful story to share, about them. Ruth, you have earned a special place in Heaven.
I met my best friend, Pauline Walsh, in Mrs. Usselman’s grade one class at St. Clement’s in 1972-73. We are still best friends and we both are grateful for being in Mrs. Usselman’s class. We remember her as the best and most kind and caring teacher we’ve ever had in over 50 years.
Linda O’Dell
Dean and Cheryl,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom.
I worked with Ruth at St. Dominic as well as seeing her when she was subbing. She taught grade 2 and I was right beside her teaching grade 1. As a first year teacher, I felt overwhelmed some days. Ruth would be there with a reassuring word (or story;) ), which would help put things into perspective. She had the sweetest disposition and was always so kind and welcoming.
She loved your boys so much, and was such a proud grandma!
Ruth made a lasting impression on me and will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Please accept the condolences of the Catholic Women's League of Canada. Ruth joined the St. Bernard's CWL in 2006 and when that Chapter became inactive, she continued with the Chapter at Our Lady of Assumption. During the pandemic we have been unable to meet in person, and sadly we did not have an Honour Guard of the CWL ladies at her funeral. Ruth was always present in one of the front pews on the right at St. Bernard's, and her serene presence was always admirable. We will miss her.
Elizabeth Chong
Dean and Cheryl,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Ruth subbing in my school when I was a first year teacher. She left an impact on many students and teacher's lives. May she rest in peace and watch over you always from above.
Trish Corney
Dearest cousin Ruth -the obituary ,and accompanying memories say my thoughts better than I can at this time. Her family was paramount to her & even though we couldn' t visit often ,kept in touch ,& felt included,teaching was 2nd but a close one.Condolences and thoughts & prayers from my family & Rice family.
My thoughts are with the family and friends of Mrs. Usselman today, I am so sorry for your loss. As a former student of Calgary Catholic schools I had the delightful experience of having Mrs. U as a substitute teacher throughout elementary school. She was such a kind and thoughtful teacher even when only stepping in for the day, and a beloved sub with myself and peers.
My brother's grade 2 class struggled with consistency of substitutes, and Mrs. U was there. She attended the class' First Communion, and left a lasting impression on both the students and their families. It was a kindness that we still remember today.
Though it's been over a decade since I sat in a class with her, I still remember her fondly. She was a blessing to have known.
I was so sorry to hear the loss of Ruth. I only met Ruth once when visiting Craig and Debbie during the 1988 Winter Olympics. She had a heart of gold, and she was still as beautiful as the day I met her so many years ago. What a smile! My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Usselman family. Condolences are sent from the Broughton and Azevedo families.
Corinne Broughton
I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Usselman- (I cannot bring myself to call her by her first name as it seems impolite) was my grade one teacher at St. Clements and she was one of my favourite teachers. She always made us all feel so special and loved. I won a rubber ball in her class which I treasured for years. I cannot see a ball like that now-many years later- that I do not think of her. When I had my first job as a teacher, she came in as a guest teacher one day, and she remembered me and we hugged like old friends. She holds such a special place in my heart, as I am sure she does for so many people.
My condolences to the Usselman family. Ruth was such a positive and caring person. I loved her sense of humour and the kindness she brought to the classroom as a guest teacher. I always looked forward to seeing her visit our school. Your mother was a compassionate powerhouse, Dean! I’m sure she has been and will always be a guiding spirit to you and you family.
Sincerely, Ruth Mieszkalski
Ruth was my go to guest teacher . She had a heart of gold and a spirit of who was in charge . My students always loved it when she came in .
I knew Ruth as a Kindergarten teacher as well .
She never seemed to age and was always full of energy.
She will be missed by many. Condolences to the family of whom she was very proud.
To Ruth's Family,
My Prayers and condolences to you all. I had the pleasure of working with Ruth at St. Thomas Aquinas where she would be one of our regular guest teachers. Her smile would brighten any room she walked in. I enjoyed working with her and listening to her stories in the staff room. You could see her love of teaching and the students always enjoyed when she was here.
My condolences to Ruth's family. I hope you take comfort in your memories. Ruth was a loving and caring lady. I had the fortune of having Ruth be a substitute teacher in my Kindergarten classes. The students loved her and I always knew her my students were safe and cared for. She always had extra books and activities in her bag if she needed them. She was a pleasure to teach with. She will be missed.
Astrid McLenahan
Ray Gauthier
January 13, 2022
My most sincere and deepest sympathies to all of you. I first met Ruth on my first day of a 38 year teaching career. It was at St Clement, a very small staff, only guy, except Tony the caretaker. Ruth, sensing my extreme nervousness, went way above what was called for to make me feel at ease, teaching me to use equipment, including a Gestetner. It was an archaic copy machine, pre photocopier that would allow you to make one copy during your preparation time and at the same time make your hands purple. She advised me to not spend more than ten minutes in the workroom using it unless I was looking for a cheap high. Her assistance was appreciated with everything from mundane tasks, teaching ideas, discipline and even how to handle a principal. I will never forget the time she lost her student register the last week and had all of us searching everywhere because you did not get your June cheque ( with June, July and August salaries) until you handed it in. It was found, eventually, in a box of materials she had for her daughter who was, I believe, training to be a teacher. That was Ruth, always thinking about, talking and helping her own children, as well as the countless kids she taught over her storied career. I last saw Ruth when she was substitute teaching at my last school in my next to last year of teaching! She will be missed by all who knew her whether it was a friend, colleague, student or family. Rest in peace Ruth.
Mrs. Usselman was my grade 2 teacher at St. Dominic in the 90s. She inspired a love of reading that grew into a love of teaching grade 2 myself. I still remember that great big caterpillar she had up on the wall that motivated me to read so much! She was a gentle, kind soul who shared her love with all she met. I feel lucky to have had a year with her.
- Nicole Lombardo
My sympathies and prayers to Ruth’s family. I remember her fondly from my years as pastor of St. Bernard’s. I will offer a mass for her.
Blessings
Fr. Dan Stevenot
My deepest sympathies go out to you all. Mrs. Usselman was my grade one teacher at St. Clement's and was also my cooperating teacher for work experience. She is the reason why I had an early admission into university. She said, "IF I give you 100% for your work experience mark, they will question it, but at a 98%, everything will be fine." And it was. Her hugs were the best. Stephanie O'Brien
My deep condolences on your loss. I was blessed to have known Ruth during her years as a substitute teacher. She brought such joy and energy to the classroom and shared wonderful stories with us in the staffroom. You always knew your class would be in good hands if she was in charge. I hope that you will find comfort in the memories of her love and warmth.
Sincerely,
Corinne Robinson
I had the pleasure of having Ruth as my Grade 1 teacher at St. Clement School. She always had a smile for me as I walked through the door and treated every child she taught with kindness and respect. Ruth inspired me to pursue teaching as an occupation. Many years later, I had the opportunity to have Ruth as a substitute teacher in my Kindergarten classes. She will be greatly missed! My condolences go out to her family. Shannon Murphy
To the family of Ruth Usselman,
Mrs. Usselman was my second grade teacher at St. Dominic Elementary School in 1990. Details of elementary school are fuzzy but I remember Mrs. Usselman warmly. She was only a bit younger than my Grandma at that time and so it felt like having a Grandma in the classroom. I am deeply sorry for your loss and I hope your family enjoys many wonderful memories of her that you can share forever.
Sincerely,
Vienna (Augey) Harrison
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